Obsidian vs Joplin: Data Storage, Sync, and Encryption
Obsidian saves Markdown plain text in a vault and can be used by other editors. Joplin allows you to manage and export notes, tags, and attachments using the app.
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Who this guide is for and what to prepare
- People who want to know the difference between Obsidian / Joplin
- People who want to start with a small, safe test
What you need
- Make a test copy leaving the original data
- Check the compatibility conditions and storage location of the destination
Comparison criteria
Obsidian saves Markdown plain text in a vault and can be used by other editors. Joplin allows you to manage and export notes, tags, and attachments using the app.
Scroll horizontally to see the full table →
| standard | Obsidian | Joplin |
|---|---|---|
| keep | Markdown in folder | App management |
| synchronization | official or external | Cloud, WebDAV, and other services |
| E2EE | Sync function | Optional activation |
Choosing for your situation
If you want to directly manage files and focus on links, use Obsidian. If you want to have web clips, to-dos, and various sync destinations within the app, use Joplin.
Obsidian's regular files are advantageous if you want to follow research notes with Git differences or change editors freely. Joplin is a good option if you want to clip a large number of web pages and sync notes, tags, and attachments to multiple devices. However, Obsidian's plugin notation and Joplin-specific metadata do not behave the same way with simple Markdown exchange. Transfer at least 10 representative items first; verify links, images, search behavior, and creation timestamps before moving everything.
First steps to try
Create the same text, internal links, and images in both and check the export. Joplin E2EE will proceed to the next device after synchronization is completed on one device.
- Create a new vault with Obsidian and add Markdown notes, internal links, and images
- Open.md and attachments in vault directly from Explorer
- Create the same body text, tags, check items, and images in Joplin
- Export Joplin JEX or Markdown and check the correspondence between the body and attachments
- If you use synchronization, complete the first device and try editing conflicts and decryption on the second device.
Operational notes
Keep your encrypted passwords safe, back them up including settings and attachments, and open the link to restore them.
Limitations and requirements
- Export before sync
- Be careful not to lose your encryption password
Frequently asked questions
Does it look the same?
There are differences in unique notation and attachment paths.
E2EE simultaneous setting?
Synchronize one device at a time.
Official sources and verification date
Sources checked: . Check the official sources below for changes to supported systems, plans and menus.